Does Fenugreek Increase Breast Milk?

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is an herb that is often used in cooking and for medicinal properties. Women have taken fenugreek for increasing breast milk in India, North Africa and the Middle East since ancient times. The market is flooded with fenugreek supplements for breastfeeding mothers, but do they really work? Let us find out.

Fenugreek health benefits

Fenugreek is rich in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, which make it useful in a variety of ways. It is often used for:

Treating heartburn

Detoxifying

Treating menstrual issues

Skin and hair

Helping patients with diabetes

Treating sinus problem

Fighting infections

Lowering cholesterol

Weight loss

Preventing aging

As an aphrodisiac

Most importantly, to increase breast milk supply

How does Fenugreek help to increase milk supply?

Fenugreek is known to contain some plant chemicals that are similar to the female sex hormone estrogen. These hormones stimulate sweat glands. Therefore, they stimulate the breast as well, because the breast is a modified sweat gland.

Some lactation experts are of the view that Fenugreek can increase breast milk supply within 24 hours, and once the milk supply is enhanced, it should stay up even if the use is discontinued after some time.

Research on effects of Fenugreek on Lactation

Several studies have been conducted to study the effect of Fenugreek on lactation, and many of them have shown promising results.

The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life

Sixty-six mother-infant pairs were randomly assigned to a placebo group, control group and a group receiving herbal tea containing fenugreek. It was determined that:

Maximum weight loss was lower in group receiving Fenugreek tea

Infants in the fenugreek group regained their birth weight earlier compared to the other groups

Breast milk volume of mothers receiving galactagogue tea was higher than other groups

The Effect of Fenugreek on Milk Production and Prolactin Levels in Mothers of Preterm Infants

The study involved 26 mothers of preterm infants less than 31 weeks of gestation. Starting on the fifth day after delivery, the mothers were made to consume two capsules of fenugreek supplement thrice a day for 21 days. The results were:

No difference in milk volume or prolactin between mothers receiving fenugreek supplement and those receiving placebo

No adverse effects noted

The Use, Perceived Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Galactagogues During Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Study

For the purpose of research, 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with breastfeeding mothers. All the mothers were either using or had recently used herbal galactagogues. The study showed that mothers perceived galactagogues, particularly fenugreek, to be effective in increasing their breastfeeding adequacy.

The Effect of Herbal Tea Containing Fenugreek Seed on the Signs of Breast Milk Sufficiency in Iranian Girl Infants

This study involved seventy-eight infants age 0-4 weeks that were exclusively breastfed. They were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received herbal tea containing 7.5 gm fenugreek seed powder and 3 gm black tea thrice a day, and the other received herbal tea containing only 3 gm black tea powder thrice a day. At the end of the fourth week, the following changes were noted in infants in the fenugreek group:

Increase in weight

Increase in head circumference

Increase in number of wet diapers

Increase in frequency of defecation

Increase in number of breastfeeding times

Considering the results of most of these studies, it is safe to assume that Fenugreek does offer some benefits to lactating mothers. However, it is also important to consider the side effects and counter indications.

Possible side effects

Urine and sweat smells like maple syrup

It may cause loose stool, which goes away once fenugreek is discontinued

Is it safe for everyone?

Conclusion

Fenugreek can help increase breast milk with little side effects. It works quickly and can be discontinued as soon as an adequate supply is established.

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About William Horton

William is the Chief Editor of Supplement Investigator. He started this site because he was sick of all the misinformation being spread by the supplement industry. He lives with his wife in Brooklyn, New York.

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Disclaimer: The information contained on Supplement Investigator is intended for informational and educational purposes only. If you plan to use any of the supplements mentioned on this site, you should first consult with a medical professional.